Kwanzaa or Kwanza definitions
| Word backwards | aaznawK ro aznawK |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Kwanzaa is a proper noun, while Kwanza is a common noun. |
| Syllabic division | Kwan-zaa / Kwan-za |
| Plural | The plural of the word "Kwanzaa" is "Kwanzaas." |
| Total letters | 15 |
| Vogais (2) | a,o |
| Consonants (5) | k,w,n,z,r |
First celebrated in 1966, Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday honoring African heritage and culture. It takes place from December 26th to January 1st each year and is observed by millions of people worldwide.
Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor and scholar of African studies, Kwanzaa is based on traditional African harvest festivals and celebrates seven core principles known as the Nguzo Saba.
Nguzo Saba
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).
Kinara
During the week of Kwanzaa, families come together to light a candle on the kinara, a candle holder with seven candles - three red, three green, and one black. Each candle represents one of the seven principles.
Other traditions include the giving of educational and meaningful gifts, sharing a communal meal, and reflecting on African heritage and culture through music, dance, and storytelling.
Mishumaa Saba
The seven candles, known as mishumaa saba, symbolize the principles of Kwanzaa and are lit each night of the celebration. The lighting of the candles is accompanied by the discussion of one of the Nguzo Saba.
Overall, Kwanzaa is a time for reflection, celebration, and unity within the African diaspora. It is a rich cultural holiday that promotes values of community, creativity, and faith. It is a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.
Kwanzaa or Kwanza Examples
- Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honoring African heritage and culture.
- Many families light the Kinara during Kwanzaa to represent the Seven Principles.
- The red, black, and green colors are symbolic of Kwanzaa and represent unity among African Americans.
- Each day of Kwanzaa focuses on a different principle, such as unity or creativity.
- During Kwanzaa, gifts are exchanged as a way to promote self-determination and purpose.
- Kwanzaa is a time for reflection, community involvement, and celebrating African culture.
- The Kwanzaa holiday was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.
- Music and dance play a significant role in Kwanzaa celebrations.
- Many people decorate their homes with traditional Kwanzaa symbols like the Mkeka (mat).
- Kwanzaa is a time for coming together, honoring ancestors, and planning for the future.